Pretty in Pink

You guys already know fresh babies are my absolute favorite! So I was super excited to have little Miss Newborn Hayden in studio. Plus, when mama booked she basically said here are the 2 colors I want, a family shot and a Dad shot. But other than that go for it. Do what you do best. Oh be still my heart! I can do what I want?? YAY! Newborns are my inspiration, so getting the go ahead for free range just put me over the moon.

Moms Matter Too

I also love that mom actually requested a family shot during her newborn session. It is rare that moms feel up to taking pictures 10 days after birth. I get it, I really do. BUT….it matters that mama exist in photos. Even if not for ourselves, do it for your children. Our babies care, they want to see us. Leave them a lasting photographic record. The day will come, that it will be all they have left. I have maybe 10 photos of my mom from when I was a little one, and I just treasure them. It really does matter that we leave a legacy. Like I said, if not for us, then do it for them. Not to mention, you might as well get in there while you have a professional to help with posing and ensure you look your best 😉 P.S. How gorgeous are these two???? Stunners. And little Miss Hayden is just as pretty!

Dad Counts too

Being a military family ourselves, I really do love getting other mil families in the studio. They really are just “my people.” There seems to be a common ground regardless of what branch, how many years have been served, etc. And I secretly love it when they want to create an image honoring their service. Again, I feel like our children will want to look back at that time in their lives, and see their parents when they were young and studly LOL! Plus I’m just a sucker for seeing how teeny tiny these new babies are in Dads hands.

If you are interested in booking a Newborn Session for your new baby, please don’t hesitate to contact me! I would love to chat with you about creating your heirloom portraits.

Five Tips to Choosing Your Perfect Fit Newborn Photographer

1.Business Minded

While us artsy types are very creative, not every photographer has the business skills to run a successful business. Make sure they are upfront about policies and pricing, and that their brand is well represented. If they have been doing this for some time they will likely have a better defined process to how they do business, which will make it less stressful for you in the long run.

Ask questions like:

How long have they been in business?

What is unique about their brand?

What is your process?

2. Experience

Everyone has to start out somewhere, and that goes for photographers too. However, there is a very steep learning curve when it comes to photographing newborns. This is why there are hundreds upon hundreds of workshops that focus on safety first for newborn photographers. Those precious little heads need to be held and secured properly even in the most adorable shots. Experience will provide the ability to maneuver and pose newborns without compromising those fragile joints and muscles, plus it also helps to weed out those photographers who do not have the necessary patience. Most importantly, safety should never be sacrificed. Experienced and credentialed photographers will know this better than anyone. You may be able to trust an amateur photographer for milestone or family pictures, especially when on a budget, but think twice about who you want for a newborn photographer.

Ask questions like:

What is your credentials?

Have you trained at any workshops and/or have a background in photography?

What safety measures do you put into place during a session?

3. Portfolio

You want to make sure their artistic style matches what you are looking for and more importantly, something you would want on display in your home. After all, images are not meant to sit on a disk/usb, these are investments for artwork that will proudly be on display. Look at their online portfolios as most photographers will have a functional website with these available for clients. Does the style match what you are looking for? Do they have a number of different poses and styles? You’ll want to analyze their technical skills just a bit. Even if you know nothing about photography just the way the images appear can say quite a bit. Look at the images and see if baby is in focus, the files are crisp or do they appear grainy, does the setting complement the subject or take away, are there any marks that stand out substantially (hairs, stitches, blurs, etc).

You also want to consider if you are looking to use props or focus or colors. Props can be great especially during holidays and to create a unique scene that captures the time of year a child is born. But you don’t want it to be overdone and take focus off of the true star of the show, baby! Be prepared to give a few color options for the photographer to choose some ideas. Good communication with the photographer beforehand will help to make sure there are no surprises during the session.

Ask questions like

Do you have a website or place where I can see your portfolio?

Where can I read reviews others have posted?

What does your work say about your specific style?

Do you use props and to what extent?

How many outfit changes do you usually offer and do I have to bring my own or are there options provided?

What kinds of outfits do you have available in ___ (your choice) color scheme.

4. Budget

Of course price is a huge consideration when pursuing a newborn photographer and there is a reason why I put this one towards the end, even though price is likely to be your first thought. It seems cliché to say, but newborn photography is an investment. The first two weeks goes by in an instant when they already begin changing through their first growth spurts. In the whirlwind that seems to come from a new life being brought into this world, moms and dads will soon struggle to remember what their precious baby looked like shortly after birth. Dim light hospital photographs and a tuckered out mom and dad may not be wall display quality. That’s where newborn photography steps in, gives tired mom and dad a break and provides you with heirloom quality memories. Considering the business, experience, and quality of photographer you want, what do you consider to be your possible investment?

There are also two main price structures you may encounter, one being sitting fee based and the other product based. A sitting fee based structure will feature a higher sitting fee or per hour charge($400-700) but include a large number of digital files provided via disc/downlad/usb. This is more of a DIY type of plan in many instances because you will have the digital files and print them wherever you choose. While a product based structure focuses less on sitting fees ($150-300 range) with a select number of digital images provided and packages for prints/products with options for additional images. Most often these will end up costing near the same, except with product based, you leave with actual prints that you can cherish, scrapbook, or even send to relatives. We know not all grandmas and grandpas can figure out how to see a photo on Facebook or email after all as opposed to being able to touch and feel a photograph that’s been sent to them by mail. The quality from photography labs will far surpass that of self-printed images that you get from photolabs like Walmart or Walgreens. Because photographers get special access to labs that are not available to the general public, they are going to give you the best heirloom quality and closest matches to the color of the original photograph. Each photographer also carries their own line of industry specific products which may or may not match your personal tastes. Make sure to know up front if they feature products you are interested in, or that match the style of your home already. If they offer an in home ordering session, they will likely bring the images and help you decide wall layouts with packages that fit your budget. While sitting fee based may seem like an easier way to go, the images may also not be edited for print quality. When a photographer is dedicated to their products they edit in such a way that even in the largest print size, they will be customized to look the best!

Ask questions like

What is your pay structure?

What is your deposit?

What is the sitting fee?

What packages do you offer for products?

Do you offer a custom order sessions?

What kind of products do you offer?

Do you have product samples that I will be able to view?

Do you have software you use for ordering?

Will images be customized for the products we choose?

Do you offer specials for returning clients such as maternity or milestone sessions?

5. Booking

Many photographers begin booking two-four months out for newborns. Do not wait until they are born to add another piece to your already long to do list. While you are still expecting, at about 30-32 weeks, go through this list and ask the necessary questions to find an available photographer that is your perfect fit. You do not want to miss out on getting on the books with the person you truly want because they are overbooked. Plus, many photographers offer specials for their newborn clients like no or a lower sitting fee for maternity/milestone sessions.

Ask questions likes

How far out do you usually book?

Do you have availability between ___(3 week frame including week before your due date, week of due date, and week after).

How many sessions do you usually book a month and do you have a limit?

How long between session and when I can see the final images?

If you are in the Colorado Springs area and would like to learn more about a portrait session for your little one, please don’t hesitate to contact me! We can get you all set up with a complimentary consult, and talk about your vision and goals for your session. Whether you are pregnant and wanting to capture your Birth Story, freeze those very first days with a Newborn Session, or even capture those first year milestones, I would be more than happy to assist you. Let’s work together to create memories and heirloom quality portraits, that will be in your family for generations to come. Leave a legacy, leave a printed record, hang artwork. It matters. You and your children will be glad you did.

Snuggly Squish

This squishy little man came to me for his newborn session via modeling call, and he was such a good baby! Newborn Colton, at just 16 days old, was just too cute. I wanted to keep him forever! Such a handsome little man face already, and you can just tell he has the sweetest personality ever! Babies really are the best stuff on Earth.

His sweet mama, who runs Reloved By Sarah, was kind enough to let me borrow her handsome new guy to show off some amazing knits from my friend over at Scentsory Knits. I’m a HUGE fan of her entrelac basket covers! So much cool texture, and the variations in colors make my little newborn photographer heart happy! She does custom orders along with all the pretty RTS goodies she has in her shop, so go check her out, and tell her Rebekah sent you ;).

Booking Your Newborn Session

If you are in the Colorado Springs area and would like to learn more about a portrait session for your little one, please don’t hesitate to contact me! We can get you all set up with a complimentary consult, and talk about your vision and goals for your session.

Whether you are pregnant and wanting to capture your Birth Story, freeze those very first days with a Newborn Session, or even capture those First Year milestones, I would be more than happy to assist you. Let’s work together to create memories and heirloom quality portraits, that will be in your family for generations to come. Leave a printed record, hang artwork, leave a legacy. It matters. You and your children will be glad you did.

“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.”
— Don McCullin

The Birth Party!

In every sense of the world, Logan Skywalker’s birth day was a party of high anticipation. Family was gathered to witness Baby T’s entry from beginning to end. Mom and dad shared in the smiles, giggles, pain, and celebration with overflowing love that is evident in each photo. Birth photography is so unique in that it doesn’t just capture a moment in time like with portraits, it tells a whole story. When baby Logan was ready to come, the whole room already had a few false alarms so each was ready in their own way. Dad was ready to catch baby but ultimately left that job to the nurses as he came not long after mom proclaimed “it was time.” Big brother did the honors of cutting the cord. He was so sweet and caring for mom the whole time, worried about her and baby, then finding a sigh of relief once little brother finally made his grand entrance. Each had their own adorable reaction as tears. smiles and hugs were exchanged with one another. Dad was so gentle with his new baby boy, giving him his first adjustment as he is head Chiropractor at Life Fit Chiropractic here in local Colorado Springs.

Welcome to the world baby Logan! You are a lucky little mom with so many people who have loved you since your very first breath.

Your Birth Story

If you are in the Colorado Springs area and would like to learn more about a portrait session for your little one, please don’t hesitate to contact me! We can get you all set up with a complimentary consult, and talk about your vision and goals for your session. Whether you are pregnant and wanting to capture your Birth Story, freeze those very first days with a Newborn Session, or even capture those first year milestones, I would be more than happy to assist you. Let’s work together to create memories and heirloom quality portraits, that will be in your family for generations to come. Leave a legacy, leave a printed record, hang artwork. It matters. You and your children will be glad you did.

“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.”
— Don McCullin

5 Myths About Hiring a Birth Photographer

You think about how many photographs most have of their weddings yet somehow birth has enough fear attached to it, that many do not want professional birth photographer capturing this monumental occasion. Birth will inevitably change you, as it is likely going to be the second most memorable and happiest day of your life, or closely tied with your wedding day. Perhaps they are fearful of having someone else in the room or how they will look on camera, maybe they simply feel that husband or another family member can take sufficient photos on their own. I could likely write an entire article of why many people are so against birth photography. But instead, I’d like to share with you the truth of what it is, and how it will help make that first day of your newborn’s life even better than you could’ve imagined. Here are the top 5 myths about hiring birth photographer.

1. It’s too gory or gross

Many fear that birth photography will not capture the joy that is in bringing a life into this world but instead, the gory blood and details which make it seem too gross for photographs. However, many have actually described their birth memoirs as romantic, telling a story, a very unique kind of love story from start to finish. There is a focus on the details. For example, for a C-Section, little shots of prep for the surgery of mom and dad, and baby being taken out from behind the curtain, meeting mom for the first time, and mom and dad kissing as they beam with pride are all part of the story, discretion without the so called “grossness.” Unless you specifically ask for it, we don’t really want that to be your memory of birth either.

Birth photography’s aim is not to get up in your business and lady parts, but instead to capture the emotion through the experience. While some people want every angle captured and do not mind these “close encounters” so to speak, other clients do not, and that’s ok. That is why we meet beforehand and I can get a better idea of what you want as a client. While the birth is happening, I am often just a fly on the wall, out of the way as much as possible, clicking my camera in anonymity. Most of my birth clients have even told me that they barely noticed my presence during the birth process. You may think this hard to believe, but I promise you it’s not like having another family member in the room. Plus, you would be very surprised at how creative we birth photographers are at hiding nudity so nearly every image is a shareable one. For those that truly just do not want someone there during birth, there is always the option for what is called, a Fresh 48. This is when the photographer focuses their efforts on a session that is likely at the place of birth within the first 48 hours after.

3. My husband can just take photographs/video

This is not a myth, they can in fact take photographs and many times there are some great shots that will be sufficient enough for you. But then you do have to ask, what about dad? Shouldn’t he also be in the photographs or wouldn’t you/he rather be more part of the birth than focused on trying to get photographs? How about for cutting the umbilical cord, would you want him behind a camera instead? Many do not think that whole scenario through, but really both of you already have enough to do that day! If this is your first, be prepared that some fathers even become so completely overwhelmed they require their own forms of medical attention. Birth photography aims to take this additional stress off of both mothers and fathers. Professionalism is really important as well. If you trust another family member to do it, your expectations may not be met and the last thing you want is this one in a lifetime experience to be filled with potential disappointment. They may feel uncomfortable and unable to take photographs which end up having that same distinct feel. A birth photographer knows the right angles to capture the expression on everyone’s faces and tell the story, instead of portraying something very different.

4. I can’t share these photos with family

While there may be some that you choose to keep for yourself, there are quite a number of photographs that you will be able to share with family. Not only that but I create a blog and a video that tells your beautiful birth story with music that brings it all to life. There has been a trend that has helped normalize birth for many people and embracing what is the first moments for your new little baby are nothing but extraordinary. As a birth photographer, I am capturing moments that will make you feel beautiful and you’ll inevitable want to share with others!

5. Most hospitals/doctors won’t allow it.

Actually, birth photography is still considered somewhat of a new practice. While many hospitals and doctors have policies in place that prohibit videotaping births or procedures, photographing is often allowed with the doctor’s consent. By asking ahead of time and explaining the process most doctor’s do not feel blind sighted and are willing. Nearly 100% of families would normally take photographs during the process already just more typically after birth. For this reasons hospital policies will more often than not allow for it.

The whole experience is entirely rewarding as a photographer to be present at the birth of a newborn. There is nothing like it in the world. Even though I am quietly behind my lens the whole time, your final product, your memories are my entire purpose for those hours. I aim to take away the added stress and give you back your memories that may have otherwise been erased from memory amongst the chaos.

I hope this helped to dispel some of the fears of birth photography but I know many still come into the process with uneasiness. Feel free to communicate these anxieties with me so I can help ease your fears and provide you with the birth album that you never know you would cherish so much.

If you are in the Colorado Springs area and would like to learn more about a portrait session for your little one, please don’t hesitate to contact me! We can get you all set up with a complimentary consult, and talk about your vision and goals for your session. Whether you are pregnant and wanting to capture your Birth Story, freeze those very first days with a Newborn Session, or even capture those first year milestones, I would be more than happy to assist you. Let’s work together to create memories and heirloom quality portraits, that will be in your family for generations to come. Leave a legacy, leave a printed record, hang artwork. It matters. You and your children will be glad you did.

Shannon Anderson -LOVE this! You hit so many point why people question it…and now I want to hire a birth photographer! Beautiful pictures too! I wish I had done this when my girls were born!ReplyCancel

September 27, 2016 - 7:38 pm

Lori Martin -Very well written! I plan to write up something similar to share eventually. I hope that one day, hiring a birth photographer will be just as common as hiring a wedding photographer!ReplyCancel

Welcome

Rebekah Varnum is the Newborn and Birth Photographer Extraordinaire at Kahva Photography, located in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. Her artistic style can be best described as a rich mixture of natural and simplistic elements, that will leave you with timeless portraits of your new baby. Kahva Photography offers a custom experience that will leave you with ready to hang, heirloom quality artwork. Contact Rebekah for more information.